Andrew admitted that Wilkinson's return "couldn't have gone any better" following a 40-minute appearance during the Falcons' 32-9 victory over Connacht in front of a 4,500 crowd at Galway Sportsground last night.

Wilkinson is now set for another start - only his second since suffering a career-threatening neck/shoulder injury eight months ago - when Newcastle continue their preparations for the new Zurich Premiership season against Munster in Limerick next Monday.

"Physically, he feels fantastic," said rugby director Andrew. "He took some pretty big hits, so there is no issue there.

"It couldn't have gone any better, to be honest, but we weren't concerned. Seeing him in training during the past two weeks, you wouldn't have had any concern.

"Jonny has been brilliant pre-season - as good as I have seen him. He is on fire."

Wilkinson was heavily involved throughout his stint on the pitch, making a crunching tackle on 6ft 1in Connacht centre Niall O'Brien and dusting himself down after being trapped at the bottom of a ruck on more than one occasion.

He also kicked a penalty and floated a couple of high-class passes to his fellow Falcons backs, suggesting that he has taken a major step on the comeback trail.

"A sense of relief came through, as much as anything else," said Wilkinson. "You can train as hard as you like, but you cannot replicate a match.

"It was a valuable experience and I am pleased to have got rid of the rustiness. I am thrilled to be back on the field."

Wilkinson didn't ask, or expect, any favours from the Connacht defence. And despite looking inevitably ring-rusty on occasions, he could feel satisfied with his overall contribution.

He was quickly pinned at the bottom of a ruck after he was tackled by Connacht wing Ted Robinson, but he picked himself up and launched an impressive defensive clearance.

Newcastle made several early attacking raids and their territorial dominance was rewarded when Wilkinson slotted a 25-metre penalty on six minutes.

They were his first points since booting a penalty hat-trick during Falcons' 23-19 success against Saints.

His first meaningful tackle - on O'Brien - was vintage fare, before three Eric Elwood penalties gave Connacht a 9-3 interval lead.

The Falcons, despite playing the second-half without a watching Wilkinson, recovered superbly and tries came from Stuart Grimes, Andy Long, Dave Walder and teenager Matt Tait.

Andrew added: "It was a fantastic work-out for the squad, and it's a great start.

"The result and the score were of secondary importance, it was more about what we were trying to do in the game, and the pace at which we were trying to play.

"The first half was a bit scrappy because we made some mistakes and Connacht were very committed at the breakdown."

Asked about the team performance, Andrew said: "I'm very encouraged. We didn't really get going as well in the first half as we did in the second. In that final period it was a combination of us not making as many mistakes, and Connacht dropping off the pace a little.

"The refereeing at the breakdown was much more balanced later on, and if we can get on the front foot with our pace and skill we'll cause problems for a lot of teams.

"For a first outing, to come here and score four tries to nil is a good start."

Next up is Munster at Limerick's Thomond Park on Monday (7.30pm), followed by Pertemps Bees at Kingston Park on Saturday, August 28 (6pm).